Λομελοσία η κυπριακή
Etymology of Lomelosia cyprica
The genus name Lomelosia is derived from the Ancient Greek word "λῶμα" (lôma), which means "fringe," "hem," or "border of a garment." This name directly references a distinctive morphological feature found in the flowers of this genus: the prominent, membranous, and often papery border of the involucel, which is a cup-like structure at the base of the flower head. This unique "border" serves as a key distinguishing characteristic, differentiating these plants from their close relatives, such as those in the genus Scabiosa. The name was established by the botanist Constantine Samuel Rafinesque in 1838 to precisely highlight this floral structure.
The epithet "cyprica" [cypriot] was given to the plant because it was found in Cyprus. It actually exists only in Cyprus.
The Lomelosia genus in Cyprus
There are five Lomelosia taxa in the Cypriot habitat.
About Lomelosia cyprica
Lomelosia cyprica, previously known as Scabiosa cyprica, is an indigenous, endemic plant primarily of the Troodos and Limassol regions. It is known to exist only in Cyprus. It appears at altitudes between 50 and 1150 metres. Lomelosia cyprica is a perennial shrub reaching up to one metre high, with pink, mauve or purple florets. Its leaves are ovate, obovate or spathulate, rarely dentate or with a few irregular lobes. It mostly grows in dry, hilly areas. Its flowering period is in June and July.
